The Ruby Titans

The kingdom of Ravenna is by no means the largest country to ever exist. Its military serves as a reflection of that. But what it lacks in numbers, it makes up for in experience and elite training. The Ruby Titans are some of Ravenna's most powerful and widely valued cavalry within their ranks.   The history of the Ruby Titans date far back in Ravenna's history to even before the Mendago family line stepped in as the land's new monarchs. The origins of this cavalry is rooted within one of Ravenna's bloodiest conflicts it ever lived through. The Ravennian Civil War.   During the reign of King Joseph Lamonia III, religious reforms that banned the worship of Eadro resulted in the Silver Piece Rebellion down south. When it resulted in the island's independence from the kingdom, the king was tricked by a worshipper of Luna to ban worship of all gods entirely, which affected followers of Pelor the most. Tension broke as Ravenna split itself in two in a bloody civil war. On one side, the loyalists of the Lamonia family who wished they to remain in power. And on the other, the rebels led by the man named Marcus Mendago.   Most of the rebels were those of the middle class or lower, so people like farmers used whatever resources they could. Horses turned out to be one of the most abundant ones. Marcus saw potential in that and put as many as he could to use, forming their own ranks of cavalry; militia, but cavalry nonetheless. These horsemen comprised of farmers, traders, and other common professions became the staple of the rebels as Marcus focused efforts on training them and training them well.   Routed a few times early on, the rebel cavalry turned to shock tactics, realizing prolonged battle with better trained opponents was not favorable. One victory after another began to rack up as these troops all over the land assaulted and struck every city with lightning speed. Finally, the loyalists were beginning to give.   During this time, Marcus searched for a way to distinguish their signature units. The cavalry needed to stand out in a way that was a symbol for what they fought for. So, he turned his eyes to the national bird of the kingdom, the cockatrice. It was a symbol of Ravenna's national pride, and Marcus believed the king was throwing it away. To keep the symbol alive and beating, he opted to give his cavalry wings.   The rebels used whatever they could find. They plucked the feathers from chickens, cut frames out of leather, wood, and other materials. They used wool, linen, silk, cotton. Anything they could get their hands on. With everything they acquired, they crafted crude harnesses that strapped over the back of the horse riders. Mounted on these straps were frames marked with feathers both real and fake, of many different sizes and colors.   These wings held sturdy as the cavalry gained a newfound intimidating presence against the loyalists. Soon, fights ceased as the enemy constantly fled. The horsemen marched through the very streets of the Ravennian capital, Lamonia with no resistance at the end of the civil war. The former king and his family were executed as a new constitutional monarchy was put in place. And the cavalry were recognized as national heroes as a result, instated as an official elite profession of the Ravennian military.   They were called the Ruby Titans.

Three-hundred years later, the Ruby Titans were a gleaming icon to the Ravennian people. There was another elite cavalry that held more prestige than them called the Cockatrice Knights, but this cavalry still hadn't lost its legacy. A single titan was outfitted with high-grade plate armor. The wings on their back were sheered from the very backs of cockatrice, held on by polished golden frames. And opposed to the simple weapons they used back then, a titan's signature weapon was a gold embroidered lance with a ball-point guard.   But when war came to Ravenna after the Tenelean Empire launched its attacks in 1520 AC, this high regard would be tested as the kingdom went to war, because this was the first time the Ruby Titans had fought since the civil war. The elven nation of Endolin was facing harsh losses as all its land up in the north was quickly conquered by the empire's dreaded cavalry known as the Shock Legion. With the land dealt with, the cavalry set its sights on Gohn to the east, who quickly went to Ravenna for assistance.   The Ruby Titans were convoyed through Gohn as they reached Gidea, the western-most city state, and the first city in the line of fire. The Shock Legion would arrive, and the Battle of Gidea would become the largest cavalry battle in history. And in a feat that would shock the continent, the Ruby Titans came out victorious, giving the Shock Legion its first ever defeat and sending them back west. The Battle of Gidea would also become the very reason why the Tenelean Empire eventually came to discuss terms of peace as their advances slowed, closing out the war a year later.   Regardless, the Ruby Titans suffered heavy losses in the battle, but returned home as heroes.

The Ruby Titans have had many legendary recruits and veterans who've lived up to the name during their service. These individuals are distinguished fighters whose experience in the cavalry made them a famed and notable hero. Some simply obtained a large amount of experience. Others made a name for themselves after a single act of inhuman, unplanned bravery.  

Leonardo Frostfall, the Rampart: Commander over the Ruby Titans, Leonardo was a human who served in the cavalry since his youth. When he was first recruited, he became the youngest rider to ever join the ranks. A true rampart at that, he showed remarkable resolve to take a punch and get back up. He was known among the men for having a hard head and an almost endless itch for a game of cards.

Adeverel Dathana, the Endless: A female elf, Adeverel was the oldest titan to serve. This comes with good reason, because she was around when the civil war first broke out, and when this cavalry was first made. Going past four-hundred, Adeverel always had a tale to tell about what the Ruby Titans were like in its long past.

Cato, the Titan: Cato the goliath was by far the tallest and burliest rider to serve in the cavalry. During the Battle of Gidea, he is often said to have gotten off his horse entirely and physically wrestled the horses of the enemy to the ground.

Cassius, the Veteran Squire: Cassius was a male human who had just been inducted into the Ruby Titans when the Tenelean Empire struck Ravenna and began the War of Turmoil. Cassius was a novice fighter, but fought valiantly in every battle he was a part of during the war, and survived. Recognized by his brethren, he was given the title, Veteran Squire.

Madok, the Harbinger: Madok was a male dwarf who was the most reckless rider any titan had ever seen. A righteous heart for war was always at the forefront, and in every battle he fought in, like the Battle of Gidea, he rode out far ahead to reach his enemy first, taunting them all the while. However, in the final battle of the war at Podun, he was killed by a stray arrow on the Bridge of Podun. A statue to commemorate him stands on the bridge today.